Women’s Aid Reverse Advent: Days 6 – 10

Over the last week I have been blown away with the support I have received on social media. 

I have had the pleasure of sharing my story with some newspapers to raise the awareness of what the proposed government funding changes will mean for Women’s Aid refuges around the country and as part of that a new national campaign petitioning the changes has been a launched. 

If you are coming into this post not quite sure why I am so passionate about helping you can find the beginning of reverse advent journey HERE that explains more.

With the proposed funding changes it means that refuges will no longer be able to receive housing benefit to pay for their places in the refuge and since almost all of the women and families that are in these refuges have had to leave their lives behind the nearly all are funded by this benefit. Without securing an alternative funding source many of the refuges across the UK will have to close.

If you would like some further information on how these changes will affect refuges there is an article in the Guardian that explains in more details HERE.

I would love it if you would like to help petition against these funding changes to help raise awareness of the plight Women’s Aid is now facing and how it will affect vulnerable women and families by signing the petition yourself (Click the photo below and it will take you directly to the petition)

So now on with my reverse advent:

Day 6: For me it was important to add in a few party bits for Christmas for the families so I have added in some peanuts and Ritz biscuits.

On the brand front I was blown away by our next donator. SPLAT oral care reached out to me on Twitter to offer their help this festive period and have been immensely generous in providing some amazing product to help both the women and the children in the refuge. 

SPLAT products are ethically and scientifically developed for the whole family. When I spoke with them it was amazing that this family run business wanted to help as their ethos is promote some happiness around the world, one smile at a time…. for me they certainly couldn’t be more perfect to help bring some smiles back one smile at a time in the refuge. 

Day 7: 
Todays donation from me was a couple of gift sets for the older children in the refuge.

Day 8: 
I donated a Story Star, we had the opportunity to review one of these this year and we loved it so we thought it would be a nice gift for a small one in there that might bring some peace and security. 

Day 9:
Good quality secondhand items can be super helpful to women and families having to start over. That is why today I have donated my beautiful SpaceCot. 

I reviewed this a while back but Jacob grew out of it fairly quickly and so it’s only been used a few times and is in immaculate condition so this should help someone either while waiting to source a cot for their small baby or as a playpen. I am sure they will be just as happy with it as I was. 

Today on the brand front I have been blown away, so much so I have cried. The amazing folks at WOW Toys have totally blown me out the water with their generosity. They very kindly said they would send some of their amazing toys and when I received a giant box containing all of these: 

I cried … WOW Toys not only do your toys save my bacon on a daily basis with Jacob and keeping him happy, but now you are going to keep some other mums and children happy too. (Thank you, Thank you, Thank you)

Day 10: 
With Christmas fast approaching we have carried out the big toy clear out. In the job that I do I have the pleasure of reviewing so many fabulous toys but on the down side they don’t all get the play they deserve so when we have a clear out there are lots and lots that still have lots of fun left in them. If you are having a toy clear out this festive season. Why not contact your local Women’s Aid and see if a family in there would like them. These toys can help a child feel more settled and help with the transition into the refuge.

Thank you so much to each and every one of you that has supported this reverse advent so far. 

Keeps your eyes peeled for #WomensAidReverseAdvent on social media.